A M ixed-Appr O ach Program T o Help Women W I th Breast Cancer Stay Acti VE ( MOTIVE Program): A Pilot-Controlled Study

Given the benefits of physical activity for breast cancer survivals, this explorative study aims to assess the feasibility of the MOTIVE program at achieving and maintaining the recommended physical activity level in at least 90% of women diagnosed and treated breast cancer, in the long-term follow-up. We conduct a pilot-controlled study of 20 women diagnosed with breast cancer stage I, II or IIIa. In study, women of Intervention Arm (n=10) received the MOTIVE program. This group was compared to women of Control Arm (n=10) who received only counselling. Outcome measures was assessed at baseline (t0) and after 4(t1), 8(t2) and 16(t3) weeks, with health-related fitness measures, and quality of life. All subjects in Intervention Arm reached the recommended physical activity guidelines at t1 and t2 (eff.size.=1.9 [1.0-3.1]), and 90% continued to be active, autonomously, at t3 (eff.size=1.12 [0.21-2.12]). In Intervention Arm, subjects’ arm strength, fitness levels and quality of life also improved over time. No significant improvement in outcomes were observed in Control Arm. These results are encouraging and suggest that the MOTIVE program may be a viable, well tolerated and effective option to help breast cancer women reaching physical activity levels stable over time that fit a prevention-related goal.